Latest News in Chicago, IL

Homeland Security Boss Says Federal Immigration Agents Haven't Detained US Citizens. She's Wrong

Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, falsely stated that no American citizens have been detained during immigration operations, despite numerous reports of such incidents in Chicago. Witnesses and legal representatives confirm that U.S. citizens have faced detention and questioning by federal agents, leading to legal scrutiny and a possible extension of restrictions on warrantless arrests.

The Confessions Project Invites Chicagoans To Share What They Cant Say Out Loud

The Confessions Project invites Chicagoans to express their unspoken thoughts using a vintage typewriter and a mailbox for submissions. Creator Ernest Smith aims to foster healing and connection through shared experiences, collecting over 100 confessions since launching the project in Wicker Park. The initiative addresses personal challenges amid broader societal anxieties, including immigration enforcement.

Heres Where You Can Compost Your Pumpkins In Chicago

Chicago residents can compost their Halloween pumpkins at various Pumpkin Smash events this Saturday, promoting eco-friendly waste disposal. Participants are required to remove all decorations before bringing their pumpkins to designated locations, where they can either smash them or leave them for composting. This initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Nonstop Christmas Music Returns To 93.9 LITE FM Tuesday, Later Than In Recent Years

93.9 LITE FM will begin its all-holiday music format at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, marking a later start than in previous years. The launch coincides with a contest offering a trip to Las Vegas to see Mariah Carey perform.

Car-Free Meet Me On Milwaukee Events Will Return To Wicker Park Next Year

Wicker Park’s “Meet Me On Milwaukee” car-free events will return in 2026 after a successful pilot program this year. The events, which closed Milwaukee Avenue to traffic for several Sundays, attracted significantly increased foot traffic, benefiting local businesses. Organizers reported attendance tripled during the August event compared to last year.

Filming ICE Detention Of Man With Schizophrenia Left Bystander 'Trembling'

Federal agents apprehended Omar Huerta Cisneros, a man with schizophrenia, in Chicago Lawn while he walked to a grocery store. Bystander Edgar Manzo recorded the incident, providing crucial evidence for Cisneros' family, who struggled to locate him after his detention. Without the video, they would have remained unaware of his whereabouts for weeks.

Chicago Should Pause Evictions As ICE Raids Continue, Housing Advocates Say

Tenants groups in Chicago urge local leaders to implement an eviction moratorium amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting residents. The All-Chicago Tenants Alliance argues that fear of eviction exacerbates financial struggles for vulnerable workers, particularly in the Latino community. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed willingness to consider the request, while no response has come from Governor JB Pritzker.

82 Kimbap Opens In The Loop, Serving Korean Rice Rolls, And More Downtown Food News

Michael Yoo and Jimmy Jung launched 82 Kimbap, a fast-casual eatery in Sterling Food Hall, serving Korean rice rolls. The duo, inspired by their craving for Korean comfort food, spent months perfecting their recipes before opening their stall. 82 Kimbap aims to provide a taste of home for the Asian American community in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurants Offering Free, Discounted Meals During SNAP Freeze

Chicago restaurants provide free and discounted meals to families affected by the pause in SNAP funding, impacting around 2 million residents. Offers include free meals at various locations and discounted coupons for those in need. Local food pantries also ramp up efforts to support the community during this challenging time.

Wrigleyville Pot Shop, Apartments In Andersonville And East Garfield Park OK'd By City Committee

The City Council's zoning committee approved a cannabis dispensary near Wrigley Field and two apartment developments in Andersonville and East Garfield Park on Monday. The dispensary, set to open at 3650 N. Clark St., will be the closest to Wrigley Field, while the apartment projects aim to increase affordable housing in their respective neighborhoods.